Poker may not have started as a worldwide hit, but it has certainly grown into a beloved game played around the globe. The total number of poker players (pro and amateur) worldwide is estimated to be over 100 million. Poker is a fascinating blend of strategic thinking and luck, making every game uniquely engaging. And above that, nothing beats the thrill of outsmarting your friends and family in a heated multiplayer match. Try Now!
Welcome to Poker 101
If you’re new to poker, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you.
General Terms
- Number of Decks: One standard deck of 52 cards.
- Number of Players: 2-10 players.
- Hole Cards: Two private cards dealt to each player at the start.
- Community Cards: Five shared cards dealt face-up in the middle.
- Betting Rounds: Four rounds of betting—Pre-Flop, Flop, Turn, and River.
Objective
The goal is to win chips (also known as pot) by having the best hand or by making all other players fold.
Basic Poker Hand Ranking
Before you start playing any type of 5-card poker, you need to understand 10 basic Poker Hand rankings. No matter what type of poker you play, the hands will always be the same.
Here are the hands from highest to lowest
Quick Beginners Tip: When two players have the same kind of hand, the one with the highest cards wins. If both hands are exactly the same, the pot (Coins) is shared.
Basic Rules and Flow of Poker
Dealing
Each player is dealt two private cards also popularly known as hole cards. Before dealing any two players put in bets which are called the small blind and the big blind.
The player to the right of dealer is called Small Blind and the next player is Big Blind. Big Blind bets double of Small Blind.
When to bet in poker?
There are four betting rounds:
- Pre-Flop: After receiving your hole cards, you can check, bet, call, raise, or fold.
- Flop: Three community cards are dealt. Another round of betting follows.
- Turn: A fourth community card is dealt. Another round of betting follows.
- River: The fifth community card is dealt. The final round of betting follows.
How to Bet in Poker?
In each betting round, you can:
- Check: Pass the action to the next player without betting.
- Call: Match the current highest bet.
- Raise: Increase the current highest bet.
- Fold: Give up your hand and any chance of winning the current pot.
Quick Beginner’s Tip: How you bet in poker can make you win or lose. Bet big with strong hands and small with weak ones.
Winning
If there are two or more players left after the final betting round, you reveal your cards. The person with the best five-card hand wins the pot (betting sum).
For Example, imagine you have a pair of Kings in your hand, and the community cards dealt are a King, a 10, and a 3. Now you have three Kings and a strong hand (three of a kind), regardless of the other two community cards.
Or another instance if you have an 11, and a 5 in your hand, and the community cards dealt are a 1, and a 7 and your co-players seem to be raising their bets constantly it's probably a sign for you to fold your cards.
Tricks To Win in Poker
- Choose strong hands like high pairs (Aces, Kings) and Ace-King. Fold weaker hands.
- Your seat at the table is key. Play more hands in later positions, and fewer in early positions.
- Play fewer hands but bet strong when you do.
- Do not just call the big blind. It's better to raise or fold according to your card strength.
To play poker with friends and family and sharpen your skills, try our app. You can also enjoy games like Kitti, Blackjack, and many more.